For anyone considering modeling a 1/700-1/720 scale modern
US Navy carrier, replacing the airwing providing with the kit is something
to be considered. For example, the airwing provided with Italeri
Nimitz class carriers are average at best. One alternative for a
replacement airwing is offered by PitRoad/Skywave. Pitroad offers
two carrier aircraft-only kits, "S12 - US Carrier Based Aircraft" kit or
"S13 - US Carrier Based Aircraft." The only difference between S12
and S13 are the decals provided for the airwing. The S12 kit is reviewed
here. The price for these kits ranges from $16-20.

CONTENTS

Each box contains two identical sprues of aircraft, a decal sheet, and
the kit directions. Either kit will enable the building of the following
aircraft:

Two E-2C Hawkeyes
Two F-14 Tomcats (wings folded) with two Phoneix and three drop for
each
Two F-14 Tomcats (wings extended) with two Phoneix and three
drop for each
Four F/A-18 Hornets with three drop tanks for each
Four A-4 Skyhawks with two drop tanks for each
Four A-7 Corsairs with two drop tanks for each
Two S-3 Vikings with two drop tanks for each
Two EA-6B Prowlers with under wing mounts and tanks for each
Two A-6 Intruders with two drop tanks for each
Four Deck Tractors
Decals for CVW-8 and CVW-15

REVIEW

1 - The kit is molded in plastic, and is extremely high quality.
There was minimal to no flashing, and there were no pits, or seam lines
on any of the aircraft. The only parts that have a seam lines are
the deck tractors, and these could be easily removed with a sharp knife
in the matter of seconds.
2 - All of the aircraft appear to be accurate in appearance and scaled
well.
3 - All of the aircraft have molded panel lines which are extremely
fine. Upon painting, these panel lines could be highlighted via a
wash or via fine pencil.
4 - The decals provided are all full color (i.e. there are no low-visibility
(gray) decals).
5 - The instructions are in both Japanese and English, and are very
clear and easy to understand.

click imagesto enlarge

PROS1 - Extremely high quality aircraft, with excellent molding including
very fine panel lines.
2 - Multiple drop tanks are provided for each aircraft, and Phoenix
missles for the F-14s.
3 - Four deck tractors are provided.

CONS1 - At $16-20 for each kit, if you wish to fill your carrier deck with
a large number of aircraft, you would need a few of these kits. Italeri
carrier kits are usually around $20. Many hobby shops will provide
a quantity discount, so don't be afraid to kindly ask!
2 - No SH-60B Seahawks are provided.
3 - No low-visibility (gray) decals are provided. Some of the
decals could be used for the CAG's plane, as well as squadron commander's
planes, which are usually painted in full color. Low visability markings
are provided in Skywave Set
S-13.

If you are looking to super-detail a carrier, and your
wallet can handle it, this kit would provide high-quality aircraft for
your carrier model. Though the Italeri kits are in 1/720 scale and
the Pitroad aircraft are 1/700 scale, the difference would not be noticeable
to the naked eye. You could even add further photo-etch details to
these aircraft. Flagship
Models offers "Modern Navy Jet Details" which provides photo etched
landing gear, doors, weapons pylons, and weapons.